Murphy City Council last week authorized the use of funds generated through drainage fees to make permanent repairs to the Timbers Trail walking path that sustained extensive damage during heavy rains in February.

The council met in regular session Tuesday, May 1.

The 4,000-foot trail was constructed of crushed limestone and decomposed granite in 2015 and has sustained significant damage three times. In March, the council directed staff to reconstruct the trail in concrete, which would less susceptible to damage. Landscape architect, Dunkin, Sims, Stoffels, Inc., estimated the cost at $240,000 for design, bidding, demolition and construction of the trail.

The city currently has $432,000 in its drainage fund generated from a $3 monthly on all residential and commercial utility bills.

Joe Reavis • [email protected]

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